SOFTBALL: Guilford's Leah Torre one of the SCC's most complete pitchers

Guilford pitcher Leah Torre is a big reason why the Indians should be both SCC and Class L state title contenders. Photo by Peter Hvizdak / New Haven Register

GUILFORD -- The moment occurred during a preseason practice back in 2009, when a young but talented Leah Torre threw for the first time in front of Guilford softball coach Steve Zajac.

Zajac recalls how he stood behind the catcher in the Guilford gym and watched as Torre unleashed a pitch.

"I was shocked by how much the ball moved," Zajac said. "I heard she was going to be good. After watching her, I thought she could be really good."

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Torre enters her senior season as arguably the most complete pitcher in the Southern Connecticut Conference. Her array of pitches, speed and location make her a hitter's nightmare.

Talent aside, Torre's work ethic may be her most valuable asset.

"She's been able to take the natural ability that she had and combine in with how hard she works," Zajac said. "She works tremendously hard in the off-season. She has a bunch of pitches now and works on new pitches every year. She's really done a great job of improving."

As a youngster, Torre began her pitcher career like almost everyone at the position does -- by using the sling shot method while a member of a recreational team.

While moving up through middle school and travel leagues, Torre evolved into a solid thrower.

"I really liked it," Torre said. "I enjoyed being on the field, being involved in every play."

Now, Torre is the prototypical power pitcher, with a fastball in excess of 60 miles per hour. She can throw six pitches, with the curve ball being her favorite despite the pitch being one of the most difficult to master.

"It could always have more spin and tighter rotation, but it's working well now," Torre said. "Hopefully it can only get better."

What has improved the most, though, is Torre's mental approach.

"She's learned when to throw pitches and how to use the pitches that she has," Zajac said. "I think the mental part of it is where she improved the most. She knows how to attack hitters. Early in her career, she might have let up a little down the lower part of the order. She has just become a much smarter pitcher."

Torre went 3-1 as a freshman. It was at the plate, though, where Torre made her biggest contribution, batting .391 to lead the No. 22 seeded Indians all the way to the Class L state semifinals.

As a sophomore, Torre won 14 games and struck out 237 batters in 151 innings. Last season, the strikeout total dropped off a tad as the mound was moved back three feet per national federation rules. But Torre was still effective, winning 13 games and striking out 188. She has a career earned run average of 1.08.

Despite losing in the second round of the state tournament the past two seasons, Guilford is never an easy out with Torre in the circle.

On its way to the Class L state title last season, Foran faced Guilford in the second round, winning 2-0. It was the third time the Lions defeated the Indians, their SCC Hammonasset Division rival, that season.

"Here we are having a great season and we have to face her (in the playoffs)," Foran coach Jeff Bevino said. "She can shut you down at any moment. She's not going to beat herself. You're going to have to beat her, and when you do, you know you earned it.

"She's one heckuva pitcher. She has a power arm; a great changeup. She's a competitor. You can really tell she cares about what she's doing out there."

With a strong senior class that includes catcher Brittney Maio and second baseman Becky Mahoney, Guilford has the tools to be a contender in the SCC and in Class L.

Torre believes it could be a special final season.

"I'm looking forward to it because I'm happy I've worked so well with Brittney behind the plate," Torre said. "She keeps me going. My parents, my coaches, everyone, they just keep cheering me on. It's good to have that kind of motivation, and I'm pretty excited just to see how it's all going to end."